Whiskey Paradise

Flash Fiction Prompt…Martini

Hallie’s stomach was in knots as she made her way to the building. The bright red neon sign flashing the words “Whiskey Paradise” lit the darkened parking lot just enough to keep from falling flat on her face. She followed behind Veronica and already dreaded the headache. The music coming from inside was pounding in her head and they hadn’t even made it to the door.

The red dress she bought for tonight was too small, despite what her friends said. She felt naked in the low cut, too short micro-mini. The flashy red color didn’t help matters either.

Why had she agreed to do this again? The vision of Thomas, her stupid ex-jerk of a fiancé, with his blonde, too-young, secretary flashed across her mind. Yes. She remembered now. Her lousy ex was a two-timing dog. That was why.

Making their way inside, Hallie steered them straight to the bar. A little liquid courage was in order.

“What’ll it be, Dollface?”

Hallie forced herself to smile. “Martini, please.”

The bartender raised an eyebrow and grinned. “A Martini?”

“Yes. I’d prefer a Candy Apple Martini if you can fix it.”

He stared at her for long moments before throwing his head back and laughing. When he’d calmed, he yelled, “Little lady wants a Martini.” The way he said Martini, let Hallie know she’d said something wrong.

A glance around the dingy bar and she wanted to crawl under the nearest table. Every person in the building was dressed in western wear. Jeans, cowboy hats and boots. And almost everyone was swilling beer or some amber liquid from a shot glass. The flashing sign out front came back to her. Whiskey Paradise. Her request probably was unusual in a place like this.

“Fix the drink, Earl.”

Hallie looked to her left at the man who had spoken. Another cowboy. She should have guessed. He smiled at her, a dimple showing in his cheek and she blushed.

The cowboy lifted his beer, took a long drink, his gaze never leaving her own. When he lowered the bottle, he leaned forward, propping his elbows on the bar. “Mighty fancy drink for a dump like this.”

Hallie stared dumbly at him before laughing nervously. “Oh, well, I’m not much of a beer person.”

“I didn’t think you were.” His gaze traveled the length of her before he tipped the front of his hat up with the bottle. “Never seen you in here before.”

“It’s my first time.”

“A virgin.” He grinned and the dimple was back. “I’m intrigued.”

Her cheeks grew hot. “Only to the bar.”

His laugh slid over her flesh like warm silk and caused her stomach to clench tight. “So, you’re experienced?”

“Yes.”

“How much?”

Hallie stared at him dumbly. How much, what? How much experience she had? A glance at his face, and seeing him looking down the front of her dress, and she knew. She gasped at the implications. “I’m not a hooker!” She sputtered, her mouth opening several times before she got control of her tongue. “I’m just here to get even with my ex for cheating on me. The dress was her idea.” She said, pointing to Veronica.

The cowboy grinned, leaned toward the bar so he could see her friend. “Thank you for the dress. I’m quite enjoying it.”

Hallie’s drink was placed in front of her and that red liquid reminded her of how she looked and how the cowboy took her appearance. “This was a bad idea, Veronica. “Let’s just go.”

“Not so fast,” he said. “The nights still young. You have an ex to piss off and besides, I want to find out if you’re as sweet as that drink is.”